‘Delap on Radar But’- England manager Thomas Tuchel says Blues striker Liam Delap is on his radar but feels the 22-year-old needs to find a new club this summer before being considered for selection for the senior squad.
Tuchel Urges Delap to Secure Premier League Move to Boost England Hopes
England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that promising Blues striker Liam Delap remains firmly on his radar for senior international selection—but only if the 22-year-old secures a move to a Premier League club this summer.
Delap, who spent the 2024–25 season on loan at Ipswich Town, is expected to leave the club in the coming weeks following their relegation to the Championship. The forward has reportedly held talks with several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Everton, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
Despite speculation surrounding his future, Delap was named in the England Under-21 squad for a pre-European Championship training camp, announced on Tuesday night. He was joined by fellow young talents such as Omari Hutchinson, underlining the strength in depth available to Lee Carsley’s U21 setup.
Tuchel, who took over as England boss earlier this year, has opted to keep Delap and a number of other emerging stars—including Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Jarell Quansah, and Tino Livramento—within the U21 squad for the time being. The German coach believes that featuring in the upcoming European U21 Championship will provide the group with vital experience and competitive minutes at a high level.
Speaking to reporters, Tuchel was full of praise for Delap’s ability and potential, referencing the striker’s involvement with the senior England squad during a training camp in March. However, he emphasized that consistent top-tier club football is a prerequisite for breaking into the senior national team.
“[Delap] needs to show and prove it,” Tuchel said. “It doesn’t help if we talk endlessly about him. We know his quality, but the fact is he went down with Ipswich. That’s the reality.”
Tuchel stressed that playing in the Premier League is essential for a player aspiring to represent England at the highest level. “He needs to find a chance to still compete in the Premier League and then he needs to fight for his place and score,” he said.
The England boss was also clear that age is not a barrier to international selection, noting that players will be judged solely on merit and performance. “He’s clearly on our radar and we will never hold someone back because of age—neither for being too old nor too young,” Tuchel added. “He needs to show up now for the U21s, take it step by step, and prove he’s ready.”
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Delap and his next move. A switch to a Premier League side could not only resurrect his club career but also bring him closer to achieving full international honours under Tuchel’s watchful eye.
